He was addressing a joint press conference on Tuesday with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa following the one-on-one meeting in Colombo.“We shared a common problem of terrorism. Pakistan suffered the worst form of terrorism... Sri Lanka also combated terrorism for 30 years and Pakistan played its part to help the country,” he stated.PM Imran said both the nations were now also facing the common issue of coronavirus pandemic and added that he discussed ways with his counterpart as to how poor countries can get debt suspension relief from the developed world.

“Coronavirus has exposed inequalities in the world and United Nations should step in and help the poor countries to deal with the impact of pandemic,” he added.PM Imran said he has asked his delegation to find ways to enhance trade relations with the island nation.He also invited his counterpart to Pakistan and thanked him for the hospitality.

“We have also discussed other areas where we can enhance our trading ties, where Sri Lanka can benefit from Pakistan's connectivity in the future right up to Central Asia, and our trading ties would also mean that the two countries would come closer together,” said PM Imran while referring to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

PM Imran while inviting Sri Lankan Buddhist community to visit Pakistan said the country has probably one of the greatest tourist heritages in the world and it has recently discovered the remains of a 1,700-year-old sleeping Buddha.

“We are planning a Buddhist trail where all the great shrines and places of importance for the Buddhist community can be visited,” he added.The joint presser followed a one-on one meeting between the two leaders held at Temple Trees – the office of Sri Lanka Prime Minister.“Prime Minister Imran Khan holds One-on-One meeting with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees in Colombo, Sri Lanka,” the PM Office said in a tweet. 

The two leaders affirmed resolve to strengthen relations in diverse areas during the meeting. The two sides focused on strengthening ties in areas of trade and investment, health, education, agriculture and science & technology, security, culture and tourism.

Earlier upon arrival, PM Imran was accorded a red-carpet reception which was followed by a formal welcoming ceremony, where he was given a 19-gun salute.The premier also inspected an impressive guard-of-honour, following which the national anthems of both countries were played.The prime minister also signed the visitors’ book, according to the official statement.

PM Imran will hold talks with the top Sri Lankan leadership, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to discuss issues of bilateral and regional significance.Premier Imran together with PM Rajapaksa will also participate in Pakistan-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Conference.

PM Imran is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including members of the cabinet and senior government officials including Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the communiqué said.The two countries have maintained strong ties since 1948. The prime minister's visit is expected to further bolster the bilateral relationship.

Prime Minister Imran is the first Pakistani leader to visit Sri Lanka after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office last year.